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A Spoked Wheel Structure for the World's Largest Convertible Roof

The New Commerzbank Arena in Frankfurt, Germany

Author(s):

Medium: journal article
Language(s): English
Published in: Structural Engineering International, , n. 4, v. 17
Page(s): 282-287
DOI: 10.2749/101686607782359155
Abstract:

The roof is a lightweight structure consisting of three major parts:

  • the edge panel supporting the compression ring (6'000 m²),
  • the fi xed main roof (27'000 m²) using radial cable trusses, and two tension rings and
  • the retractable inner roof (8'000 m²) supported by radial cable trusses. In the plane of the roof, the three components structurally exploit the principle of the spoked-wheel. In order to adjust the roof geometry at the outer corners of the stadium bowl, the circle was modified to create a more rectangular form. 44 pairs of radial cables are connected to the compression ring. To achieve an out-of-plane stiffness for the roof, the radial cables are spread vertically, leading to two tension rings at the inner edge of the fixed roof portion. The structure for the inner roof follows the same principle. The retractable roof can be unfolded by pulling its outer edges towards the lower tension ring. Sitting in the world's largest convertible greatly improves the spectator's experience at the stadium.

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    • About this
      data sheet
    • Reference-ID
      10030780
    • Published on:
      14/03/2008
    • Last updated on:
      30/09/2018
     
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